Mrs. President seeks to give a voice to Mary Lincoln, the often-overlooked wife of Abraham Lincoln. In doing so, the play offers an empathetic exploration of the First Lady’s internal struggles, delving into what her life behind the scenes of history might have been like. The setting, Mathew Brady’s photography studio, serves as an effective backdrop for this psychological drama. Brady, a creative yet heartless figure, embodies Mary’s worst fears and societal oppressions, providing a thought-provoking space for the play to explore the horror of having your narrative dictated by others.
Brady emerges as a complex antagonist—self-absorbed and detached, he dehumanises Mary in his photos in the name of artistic vision. He pressures her to not only pose but to view herself through his lens, pushing her to embrace his perspective rather than her own. As the play progresses, his demands become increasingly surreal and inappropriate, highlighting how art can silence the individual voice it purports to celebrate. His vision is driven by the drama of history and public prejudice, disregarding Mary’s personal emotions and desires.
Brady’s haunting presence manifests in other forms as well. Mary is transported to imaginary spaces, encountering even more cruel and oppressive characters, all played by Sam Jenkins-Shaw. These figures amplify Mary’s fears: one is a French taxonomist-artist who mutilates a bird for his art, symbolising how Mary’s existence is similarly reduced to an image. Another is a blustering Supreme Justice who compares the subjugation of women in marriage to slavery. While this commentary seeks to “release” Mary from the historical oppression she faced, it occasionally feels heavy-handed and overly exaggerated in the latter example.
Through these interactions, the audience witnesses Mary’s turmoil, particularly her grief over the loss of both her son and her husband. She reflects on cherished memories, fantasises about her sons, and engages in séances to connect with her departed loved ones. In doing so, the play invites the audience to extend to Mary the compassion and understanding she never received in life. The lighting and effects beautifully capture her flights of fancy, rendering them as tender and personal rather than merely eccentric. Miriam Grace Edwards delivers a compelling performance as Mary, her charisma and contemporary costume design adding depth and authenticity to the character.
Directed by Bronagh Lagan
Set and Costume Designer: Gregor Donnelly
Cast includes Miriam Grace Edwards and Sam Jenkins-Shaw
Running Time: 75 minutes, no interval
Until 16th Marche
Photo by Manuel Harlan